Ecommerce Online Security

From a perspective of tackling cyber fraud, stringent security standards should be implemented. For a broader overview of different types of cyber threats, consider the following list:

Phishing

Hacking

Credit card fraud

Data errors

Unprotected online services

Adoption of techniques such as enforcing multi-layered security, deploying PCI scans, initiating and concluding transactions on sites with SSL certification etc., is desirable. Other techniques with great importance are:

Diligently monitor each and every transaction – right from ordering to delivery

Motivate users to have strong passwords

A non - storable CVV is effective

Ecommerce Intellectual Property

Website and company logos, business mottos, product images are believed to be major ecommerce intellectual properties. Amongst other important concerns and solutions, the following look effective and profoundly effectual:

Being proactive in safeguarding your IP is expected of smart eCommerce entrepreneurs

Do NOT violate someone else’s IP

Discuss strategies with a business attorney

Show great diligence in performing audits regularly. Schedule the same

Customer Disputes and Chargebacks

It is incredibly interesting to see customers stepping up their game in this eCommerce industry. In our survey on Chargebacks and Customer Concerns, for the last 3-4 years, 30% of respondents were deeply concerned about purchases made with stolen credit cards. Another 26% respondents set their sights on another pressing concern – Product never arrived.

Nevertheless, the recipe for handling customer disputes and chargebacks doesn’t change. It’s important to swiftly respond to chargeback notices, politely communicate and fine-tune refund policy. Other important measures are:

Do NOT charge your prospects until you are confident that all the ordered items are shipped

Do NOT ship wrong products

Minimize the incidence of clerical errors in billing.

Product Warehousing and Logistics

Interestingly, 48% of online shoppers said that they find guaranteed delivery dates extremely important. More often than not, companies get into a frenzy if they run out of stock. In case of delayed product deliveries and wrong product shipments, some companies enter full ‘panic’ mode. Here’s is a list of best practices to handle such issues:

Customer Service

If your customer service team is having the wrong tone and voice for your prospects, you are losing BIG business. Focus should be on exceeding customer expectations and gracefully responding to their queries. Personalization can take customer experiences to the next best level. Customer communication can get easier with chatbots.

Taxation

Up until recently, eCommerce entrepreneurs haven’t given enough attention to taxes. Have you, your company and team paid taxes? Different delivery locations have different sales taxes. File your taxes. Sit with a tax consultant and seek expert advice.

Website SEO and Marketing

Google and influencers have much guidance on how to find the right keywords for your product pages by using the right tools. There’s a lot of information on competitor research and social media strategy. Yet, many entrepreneurs are unable to get the much needed traction. This can be attributed to lack of consistency.

The risks I have covered here are pretty much all you to focus on. However, as stated above, consistency and pro-activeness are crucial to mitigate and effectively handle risks.

Thanks to Jessica Brice for sharing her thoughts and opinions in this post. She is a professional blogger, guest writer, Influencer & an eCommerce expert. Currently associated with ShopyGen as a content marketing strategist. I also report on the latest happenings and trends associated with the eCommerce industry. Follow her on Twitter.

By Expert commentator

This is a post we've invited from a digital marketing specialist who has agreed to share their expertise, opinions and case studies. Their details are given at the end of the article.